Sonnenfeld rides with 'Space Chimps'

Filmmaker will produce with Vanguard, Starz

By PETER GILSTRAP

Sonnenfeld

Barry Sonnenfeld will produce animated laffer "Space Chimps" along with Vanguard Animation and Starz Media. Twentieth Century Fox will distribute.

Sonnenfeld has been a creative consultant on the film since it began production last fall.

Project will mark Sonnenfeld's first trip into animation; his producing credits include "Lemony Snicket's A Series of Unfortunate Events" and "Out of Sight." The multihyphenate has helmed pics including "Get Shorty," "Men in Black" and "Men in Black II."

Joining the cast for the 2008 release are Jeff Daniels, Andy Samberg, Cheryl Hines, Kenan Thompson, Stanley Tucci, Kristin Chenoweth and Patrick Warburton.

Script by helmer Kirk De Micco tells the story of astronaut chimps on a mission in space. Musician Dave Stewart and the Blue Man Group will provide music for the project, which is funded by Starz Media.